$24,000 'Ship Beautiful' painting set to make waves at London sale

A painting of one of the longest-serving ocean liners of the 20th century, RMS Aquitania, by the Newcastle-born Danish artist, Odin Rosenvinge (1880-1957), is one of the highlights of the Marine Sale at Bonhams in London on March 22, 2011. The picture, titled RMS Aquitania leaving New York, has attracted a pre-sale estimate of £10,000 - 15,000.

In her 36 years of service, RMS Aquitania survived military duty in both the First and Second World Wars and returned to passenger service after each conflict. She held the record for the longest service career of any 20th century express liner until 2004, when she was overtaken by Queen Elizabeth II.

Considered one of the most attractive ships of her time and nicknamed "Ship Beautiful", her interior was designed by British architect Arthur Joseph Davis of Mewes and Davis, who had also overseen the decoration of the Ritz Hotel in London.

Farewell New York. Next stop Southampton...

Odin Rosenvinge became a celebrated poster and postcard artist in the 1930s, having served in the Middle East during the First World War.

This item is sure to be a hit with art collectors looking for that next profitable investment as Rosenvinge's art and posters are currently extremely popular, with items regularly turning up at auction.